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The Wrong Kind of Weird
Cameron Carson has a big senior-year secret. A secret with the power to break apart his friend group. Cameron Carson , member of the multicultural Geeks and Nerds United (G.A.N.U.) club, has been secretly hooking up with student council president, cheerleader, theatre enthusiast and all-around queen bee Karla Ortega , since the summer. The one problem--what was meant to be a summer fling between coffee shop coworkers has now evolved into a clandestine school-year entanglement, where Karla isn't intending on blending their friend groups anytime soon, or at all. Enter Mackenzie Briggs , who isn't afraid to be herself or wear her heart on her sleeve. When Cameron finds himself unexpectedly bonding with Mackenzie and repeatedly snubbed in public by Karla, he starts to wonder who he can truly consider a friend and who might have the potential to become more...
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 3, 2023
42 people are currently reading
10348 people want to read
About the author
James Ramos
5 books149 followers James Ramos (he/they) is a nonbinary, unapologetically dorky Minnesota native who now calls Arizona home. Weaned on a steady diet of science-fiction, comic books, and classic literature, James wrote his first story at eight years old and hasn’t stopped writing them since. He counts Jane Austen and Frank Herbert as his biggest literary influences, and believes in the unifying power of the written word. James is passionate about storytelling, particularly stories that give voice to marginalized people, especially those within the LGBTQ community and people of color. When he isn’t writing he can usually be found cosplaying with his friends or surrounded by his amazing family of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
February 16, 2023
The Harper Collins Union has voted to ratify their contract, so my brief review is going up. Thanks to HC and Netgalley for a copy to review ages ago lol!
Jan '23: Happy release day!
I am withholding this review until Harper Collins Union gets a contract. Everyone else should do the same.
February 2023: Gotta be honest, I didn't really enjoy this, despite a great range of POC characters and a lot of Otaku, anime and manga fandom references that I should have enjoyed.
I think it was the writing. I would kind of dazedly read a page, not pulled in at all by the prose. None of it engaged me. It was surprisingly more explicit than I expected a high school read to be, and sometimes phrasing was used that seemed like it intended shock value rather than contributing to the story.
And characters are awful to each other. The toxic relationship mentioned in the blurb goes on for far too long, over half the book.
I think I might be past high school age plots or something... But this was still a low-stress YA read that passed some time, and written by a nonbinary POC, so I enjoyed supporting it.
Jan '23: Happy release day!
I am withholding this review until Harper Collins Union gets a contract. Everyone else should do the same.
February 2023: Gotta be honest, I didn't really enjoy this, despite a great range of POC characters and a lot of Otaku, anime and manga fandom references that I should have enjoyed.
I think it was the writing. I would kind of dazedly read a page, not pulled in at all by the prose. None of it engaged me. It was surprisingly more explicit than I expected a high school read to be, and sometimes phrasing was used that seemed like it intended shock value rather than contributing to the story.
And characters are awful to each other. The toxic relationship mentioned in the blurb goes on for far too long, over half the book.
I think I might be past high school age plots or something... But this was still a low-stress YA read that passed some time, and written by a nonbinary POC, so I enjoyed supporting it.
September 6, 2022
Humorous, sarcastic, and vibrant. For lovers of anime and other nerdy things, and of Pride and Prejudice.
Since summer, Cameron (Cam) has been secretly hooking up with Karla, the student council president, but nobody can know because their friend groups are Iike day and night. Cameron, part of the multicultural Geek and Nerds United (G.A.N.U), and Karla, part of the Caravan, the most popular teens at school, couldn’t be more different. Then Cam unexpectedly bonds with Mackenzie, the new girl, and he starts to wonder who might become more than a friend.
The above synopsis reads like a mainstream high school romance, but this story is far more than that. James Ramos tackles important topics such as masculinity, sex and consent, and of course the social order at schools (loved the reference to Pride and Prejudice). Still, the story is easily readable and light, and I laughed out loud at all those awkward moments. If I’d compare the writing to another author, I’d say Simon James Green. I also loved the casual queerness of some of the side characters, even though Cameron is straight (James Ramos is non-binary themselves).
Thanks so much, Inkyard Press, for trusting me to read and review this ARC! I can’t wait for this book to enter the world, and James Ramos is an author to watch out for!
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Since summer, Cameron (Cam) has been secretly hooking up with Karla, the student council president, but nobody can know because their friend groups are Iike day and night. Cameron, part of the multicultural Geek and Nerds United (G.A.N.U), and Karla, part of the Caravan, the most popular teens at school, couldn’t be more different. Then Cam unexpectedly bonds with Mackenzie, the new girl, and he starts to wonder who might become more than a friend.
The above synopsis reads like a mainstream high school romance, but this story is far more than that. James Ramos tackles important topics such as masculinity, sex and consent, and of course the social order at schools (loved the reference to Pride and Prejudice). Still, the story is easily readable and light, and I laughed out loud at all those awkward moments. If I’d compare the writing to another author, I’d say Simon James Green. I also loved the casual queerness of some of the side characters, even though Cameron is straight (James Ramos is non-binary themselves).
Thanks so much, Inkyard Press, for trusting me to read and review this ARC! I can’t wait for this book to enter the world, and James Ramos is an author to watch out for!
Follow me on Instagram
October 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this, but no one says it better than Eric Smith, so I'll simply share his blurb here:
"The Wrong King of Weird is the right kind of read for anyone looking for a huggable, nerdy rom-com packed full of heart...and anime."
Eric Smith
(Author Extraordinaire)
"The Wrong King of Weird is the right kind of read for anyone looking for a huggable, nerdy rom-com packed full of heart...and anime."
Eric Smith
(Author Extraordinaire)
March 28, 2024
3.5/5
This book is the perfect representation of what it feels like to just try and figure out life when you’re in high school. Friendships and popularity can really seem like it’s the most important thing in the world and this book really encapsulates that within the writing!
I wish that there had been more dialogue and some of the unnecessary commentary had been removed. The internal monologue was getting to be way too much at times. This is a book for teens, but on the older side so keep that in mind if you’re recommending to someone!
The plot feels so relatable and realistic! The character development is so good. I feel like the characters started the book as one person and ended as another which I love. I rarely can find fun books like this from the guys point of view so that that was great to see too!
This book is the perfect representation of what it feels like to just try and figure out life when you’re in high school. Friendships and popularity can really seem like it’s the most important thing in the world and this book really encapsulates that within the writing!
I wish that there had been more dialogue and some of the unnecessary commentary had been removed. The internal monologue was getting to be way too much at times. This is a book for teens, but on the older side so keep that in mind if you’re recommending to someone!
The plot feels so relatable and realistic! The character development is so good. I feel like the characters started the book as one person and ended as another which I love. I rarely can find fun books like this from the guys point of view so that that was great to see too!
December 26, 2022
This book felt like it would make a good movie….a teenage rom-com movie that is cheesy but fun. (And honestly this might be the exception that proves the rule that the book is always better than the movie). I thought the story was cute, but it wasn’t ground breaking and felt pretty typical to the movie tropes that exist for high school movies. The main dorky character is having a hidden physical relationship with one of the most popular girls and while he tries to figure out how to bring that relationship out of the shadows the perfect for him geeky girl appears leaving him endlessly confused. I did like the queer representation (with side characters). I also loved the level of geeking out the author did even if Anime is not my particular geek cup of tea, the passion was fun. I also liked the play and the comparisons between the play and the story in this book. I gave it 3.5 stars which I rounded down because I thought there was potential not quite reached.
January 15, 2023
this was indeed the WRONG KIND OF WERID (is there even a right kind????)
before I get into this, I wanna thank elsa for buddy reading this with me, so I didn't have to experience this alone... it was truly unbearable.
WRITING/ PLOT
oh honey. I brought receipts.
"My mouth tasted like I'd just kissed a fresh corpse." ??????? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN???
"A temporary cease-fire" BRO JUST SAY "truce?" or "friends?" WHY ARE U BEING SO CRINGE.
nothing in this book made sense.. so many weird metaphors and for what?
THIS BOY DOES NOT STOP THINKING??? he's just narrating and summarising a bunch of unnecessary stuff. There's no reason to go PAGES describing something that is not adding to the plot.
If I wanted to read about pride and prejudice I WOULD FUCKING READ JANE AUSTEN???? like okay ur obsessed with Darcy and Elizabeth, WHO ASKED.
"Was that what we are? a slow burn, like Darcy and Elizabeth?" NO ONE TALKS LIKE THAT??? elsa compared the writing to riverdales script and I fear its even worse. veronica lodge is filing a lawsuit rn.
The dialogue??????? CRINGEST THING I HAVE YET ENCOUNTERED.
"Can I help you Mackenzie?" - "Unless you are a chair, no." the way I wouldve turned the other way and never talked to her again wtf.
Also reading from a male pov... I should've known better....
CHARACTERS
everyone in this book is beyond annoying.
the author is trying SO HARD to make them be nerdy??? no one is this quirky irl istg.
everyone in this is giving "im not like other girls" and its so frustrating to read.
RELATIONSSHIP
at first I was rooting for karla, cause I love the nerdy guy + popular girl trope...
by the end of this I didn't even care enough to root for something.
Cameron should've ended up alone. honestly I was hoping both girls would just drop him and end up with each other (while they annoyed the shit out of me aswell), but whatever.
anyways im so happy to be done with this. at least the cover is pretty. that's something!
before I get into this, I wanna thank elsa for buddy reading this with me, so I didn't have to experience this alone... it was truly unbearable.
WRITING/ PLOT
oh honey. I brought receipts.
"My mouth tasted like I'd just kissed a fresh corpse." ??????? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN???
"A temporary cease-fire" BRO JUST SAY "truce?" or "friends?" WHY ARE U BEING SO CRINGE.
nothing in this book made sense.. so many weird metaphors and for what?
THIS BOY DOES NOT STOP THINKING??? he's just narrating and summarising a bunch of unnecessary stuff. There's no reason to go PAGES describing something that is not adding to the plot.
If I wanted to read about pride and prejudice I WOULD FUCKING READ JANE AUSTEN???? like okay ur obsessed with Darcy and Elizabeth, WHO ASKED.
"Was that what we are? a slow burn, like Darcy and Elizabeth?" NO ONE TALKS LIKE THAT??? elsa compared the writing to riverdales script and I fear its even worse. veronica lodge is filing a lawsuit rn.
The dialogue??????? CRINGEST THING I HAVE YET ENCOUNTERED.
"Can I help you Mackenzie?" - "Unless you are a chair, no." the way I wouldve turned the other way and never talked to her again wtf.
Also reading from a male pov... I should've known better....
CHARACTERS
everyone in this book is beyond annoying.
the author is trying SO HARD to make them be nerdy??? no one is this quirky irl istg.
everyone in this is giving "im not like other girls" and its so frustrating to read.
RELATIONSSHIP
at first I was rooting for karla, cause I love the nerdy guy + popular girl trope...
by the end of this I didn't even care enough to root for something.
Cameron should've ended up alone. honestly I was hoping both girls would just drop him and end up with each other (while they annoyed the shit out of me aswell), but whatever.
anyways im so happy to be done with this. at least the cover is pretty. that's something!
November 15, 2022
Such a cute book! Cameron, Karla and MacKenzie are brilliantly my favorite characters. So relatable and easy to love! The story just brings you back to high school with all the different cliques, awkwardness and funny moments. I loved every bit of this! Stuff got so juicy and interesting near the ending as well. I just had to read this in one sitting. Easily a 4.5 star book!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
December 15, 2022
Senior high schooler Cameron is a member of the Geeks And Nerds United (G.A.N.U) club whose focus is on anything manga and anime related. Together with his other nerd buddies and classmates D’Anthony, Mackenzie, and Jocelyn, G.A.N.U is their go to social club — a safe place for them to be what they want to be without being ridiculed as weird.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is a group of seniors known as the Caravan — a group consisting of the most popular kids on campus, whose social and economic status border on elite. It so happens Cameron’s crush, Karla is a part of that group. Not wanting rumors and whispers, Karla and Cameron conduct secret liaisons, hiding their attraction to each other from the public eye. But is this how a relationship (if any) is supposed to be?
The Wrong Kind of Weird is a humorous, light and highly entertaining novel. Although geared toward the Teen and Young Adult crowd, I still found the novel to be very enjoyable.
The story unfolds from a first person’s point of view. In this case, it happens to be Cameron which was a nice change to have a guy’s perspective rather than a girl’s perspective.
Character development is excellent. Author Ramos has managed to capture the diverse flavors of the main characters. It was as though he was describing his own classmates and the issues they all faced.
The plot is realistic and relatable enough as I’m sure at one point or another, we each have faced that nerd vs cool kids situation in our own lives. And we have probably gone through that awkwardness of concealing friendships and love interests with the “enemy.”
Though I found The Wrong Kind of Weird to be fun and entertaining, I did feel that the continual manga and anime references were a little over the top. Four and a half solid stars rounded up.
I received a digital ARC from Inkyard Press through NetGalley as well as a physical book through Bookish First. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is a group of seniors known as the Caravan — a group consisting of the most popular kids on campus, whose social and economic status border on elite. It so happens Cameron’s crush, Karla is a part of that group. Not wanting rumors and whispers, Karla and Cameron conduct secret liaisons, hiding their attraction to each other from the public eye. But is this how a relationship (if any) is supposed to be?
The Wrong Kind of Weird is a humorous, light and highly entertaining novel. Although geared toward the Teen and Young Adult crowd, I still found the novel to be very enjoyable.
The story unfolds from a first person’s point of view. In this case, it happens to be Cameron which was a nice change to have a guy’s perspective rather than a girl’s perspective.
Character development is excellent. Author Ramos has managed to capture the diverse flavors of the main characters. It was as though he was describing his own classmates and the issues they all faced.
The plot is realistic and relatable enough as I’m sure at one point or another, we each have faced that nerd vs cool kids situation in our own lives. And we have probably gone through that awkwardness of concealing friendships and love interests with the “enemy.”
Though I found The Wrong Kind of Weird to be fun and entertaining, I did feel that the continual manga and anime references were a little over the top. Four and a half solid stars rounded up.
I received a digital ARC from Inkyard Press through NetGalley as well as a physical book through Bookish First. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 15, 2023
jesus christ where do i even begin? like i actually don't know where to start, the list of things i hated is just so goddamn long...
the writing was horrendous, it felt like a riverdale episode turned into a book. the dialogue was awkward 99% of the time, and that 1% when it wasn't was just cause characters were saying 'hi' to each other, so there really was no way to mess it up. and there was barely any dialogue actually... half of this book is 1 page long paragraphs in which cameron, the main character, decides to describe shit like a door frame, or explain to the reader the plot of pride and prejudice. like i'm sorry, the average reader/movie watcher will know the basic outline of pride and prejudice why was a two paragraph description written about it...
no like i actually wanted to rip my hair out, this was horrendous in every possible way. none of these characters were likeable, they were all #quirky and #different and i have 0 time for those kinds of whinny people. oh and... cameron babes, we get it, you're a nerd... there's no need to quote newton FIFTY THOUSANDS TIMES for us to get this.
im actually so pissed off about this book, i wasted three days on it, and yes only three because by like chapter 7 i was skim reading because i was already losing the will to live.
the writing was horrendous, it felt like a riverdale episode turned into a book. the dialogue was awkward 99% of the time, and that 1% when it wasn't was just cause characters were saying 'hi' to each other, so there really was no way to mess it up. and there was barely any dialogue actually... half of this book is 1 page long paragraphs in which cameron, the main character, decides to describe shit like a door frame, or explain to the reader the plot of pride and prejudice. like i'm sorry, the average reader/movie watcher will know the basic outline of pride and prejudice why was a two paragraph description written about it...
no like i actually wanted to rip my hair out, this was horrendous in every possible way. none of these characters were likeable, they were all #quirky and #different and i have 0 time for those kinds of whinny people. oh and... cameron babes, we get it, you're a nerd... there's no need to quote newton FIFTY THOUSANDS TIMES for us to get this.
im actually so pissed off about this book, i wasted three days on it, and yes only three because by like chapter 7 i was skim reading because i was already losing the will to live.
October 14, 2022
3.5 stars
The Wrong Kind of Weird was such a delightful and fun read. This is one of those books thatI think, would make the good Netflix movie. All of the friendships were very realistic and the romance was sweet. This book was just such a fun time.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Wrong Kind of Weird was such a delightful and fun read. This is one of those books thatI think, would make the good Netflix movie. All of the friendships were very realistic and the romance was sweet. This book was just such a fun time.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this overall. Review to come on March 3rd over on my Bookstagram @helenareadsxx ! Thank you to Inkyard Press and Pride Book Tours for this ARC.
February 21, 2023
Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Harper360YA for sending me a copy of this book and including me on the tour!
I…. don’t quite know how to write this review. This book was just not that good, and it’s such a shame because look at that cover! The writing is so simplistic and honestly boring - there were a lot of times where the writing would go “This. This is why” or “I did it. I fucking did it” - lots of repeating sentences after one another, and after a while it just felt lazy. There were quite a few flashbacks used throughout this book but I always felt like they were in the wrong place. We would hear about something in the present, that had happened in the past, but then we wouldn’t get the flashback on it until about 5 chapters later, by which point the flashback isn’t really relevant anymore? The book needs some major restructuring.
There are important topics tackled, such as toxic masculinity, sex, consent, social hierarchy, all of which are things that should be discussed more in YA, of course, and it was very quick and easy to read - but I just think it was lacking. There was a lot of unnecessary narration from the main character, where we’re told the entire plot of Pride and Prejudice, or a whole page on Dragon Ball Z - all of which just didn’t add anything to the actual book. What I really wanted was some EMOTION from the main character - he just seemed to be very indifferent to literally anything that happened to him or around him, and I just wanted to know if he was actually not a robot half the time, because that’s how it came across.
The side characters were probably my favourite parts of the book; Cameron’s friends are fun and unapologetically themselves and I would’ve loved to have seen even more from them - they didn’t deserve to be treated the way he treated them. I also really liked Karla and Mackenzie - sure, their whole characters pretty much revolved around their relationships with Cameron, BUT, I do think that if they had been allowed to develop by themselves more, it would’ve made the book a whole lot better. I was kind of hoping they’d both ditch Cameron by the end, because he treated them so badly and he had almost no repercussions from that.
I…. don’t quite know how to write this review. This book was just not that good, and it’s such a shame because look at that cover! The writing is so simplistic and honestly boring - there were a lot of times where the writing would go “This. This is why” or “I did it. I fucking did it” - lots of repeating sentences after one another, and after a while it just felt lazy. There were quite a few flashbacks used throughout this book but I always felt like they were in the wrong place. We would hear about something in the present, that had happened in the past, but then we wouldn’t get the flashback on it until about 5 chapters later, by which point the flashback isn’t really relevant anymore? The book needs some major restructuring.
There are important topics tackled, such as toxic masculinity, sex, consent, social hierarchy, all of which are things that should be discussed more in YA, of course, and it was very quick and easy to read - but I just think it was lacking. There was a lot of unnecessary narration from the main character, where we’re told the entire plot of Pride and Prejudice, or a whole page on Dragon Ball Z - all of which just didn’t add anything to the actual book. What I really wanted was some EMOTION from the main character - he just seemed to be very indifferent to literally anything that happened to him or around him, and I just wanted to know if he was actually not a robot half the time, because that’s how it came across.
The side characters were probably my favourite parts of the book; Cameron’s friends are fun and unapologetically themselves and I would’ve loved to have seen even more from them - they didn’t deserve to be treated the way he treated them. I also really liked Karla and Mackenzie - sure, their whole characters pretty much revolved around their relationships with Cameron, BUT, I do think that if they had been allowed to develop by themselves more, it would’ve made the book a whole lot better. I was kind of hoping they’d both ditch Cameron by the end, because he treated them so badly and he had almost no repercussions from that.
February 25, 2023
This was a fun YA book about navigating the social rules of high school.
January 30, 2023
There’s just too much internal monologue, unnecessary descriptions, and I couldn’t connect with the character(coming from someone who is a anime/manga fan/nerd). I had no idea what this man was striving for. It felt like he was just going about his everyday life, nothing major happening. There was no reason for this man to tell us the plot related to every pop culture/anime reference he made.
It was just boring😔
It was just boring😔
January 16, 2023
Book 8 of 2023: 2.5 Stars Rounded Up
"Maybe we weren't all into the same shit, but we were all geeks about something..."
Although I think this book has a lot of merit, it simply wasn't for me.
But that's okay, because I think it will work for the intended audience: young adult readers. The themes and important takeaways should resonate with those living in the "years of firsts," and hopefully it'll help boost the confidence of anyone dimming their own light in order to fit in. And given the diversity of the cast, the lesson of living your truth hits on multiple levels, which I applaud and appreciated. It's not a new message, but it's a powerful one to learn at any age.
My main problem with this romance revolved around the overall originality of the plot and the actions of our MMC. While it was clear where Cam's arc was going to go, I felt like his evolution was clumsy and confusing. There wasn't a lot shown to indicate why he'd go through these changes of heart -- especially so suddenly -- and it led to a disconnect with my emotional attachment to the characters.
At the end of the day, this novel champions embracing your weird and shows that we're all more connected than we even realize. If you're looking for a book that highlights the geekdom, this one's for you.
Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing me with an earc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Maybe we weren't all into the same shit, but we were all geeks about something..."
Although I think this book has a lot of merit, it simply wasn't for me.
But that's okay, because I think it will work for the intended audience: young adult readers. The themes and important takeaways should resonate with those living in the "years of firsts," and hopefully it'll help boost the confidence of anyone dimming their own light in order to fit in. And given the diversity of the cast, the lesson of living your truth hits on multiple levels, which I applaud and appreciated. It's not a new message, but it's a powerful one to learn at any age.
My main problem with this romance revolved around the overall originality of the plot and the actions of our MMC. While it was clear where Cam's arc was going to go, I felt like his evolution was clumsy and confusing. There wasn't a lot shown to indicate why he'd go through these changes of heart -- especially so suddenly -- and it led to a disconnect with my emotional attachment to the characters.
At the end of the day, this novel champions embracing your weird and shows that we're all more connected than we even realize. If you're looking for a book that highlights the geekdom, this one's for you.
Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing me with an earc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2022
The Wrong Kind of Weird follows Cameron, a high school senior as he tries to figure out his feelings for two girls in his class. There’s Karla, student body president with the perfect body and Mackenzie who Cameron feels comfortable with. All in all, this was an okay book. It wasn’t special; there wasn’t anything amazing about it. I did enjoy all the nerding out the author did though!
One particular part I enjoyed was Mackenzie knowing her worth at the end. Quite refreshing!
One particular part I enjoyed was Mackenzie knowing her worth at the end. Quite refreshing!
February 10, 2023
Thank you Harper360YA for providing me with a free Arc in exchange for an honest review!
I don't know where to start with this. Did I enjoy this? Yes, but only a little. I found the main character annoying and found that the book was more pop culture references than the plot. I found myself getting confused about where the story was going. That being said some of the characters were bearable, I actually liked Karla. I found her character interesting, and wish this had her perspective too. I get that this is a coming-of-age book, but I think Cameron made some seriously questionable decisions. He basically strung along Karla and Makenzie, and I don't think they should have just forgiven him. Again some amazing side characters with D'Anthony and Jocelyn, like they were great friends putting up with Cameron. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this book, because I did enjoy it. But there were just some things I couldn't ignore, and I think not liking the main character is something that skewed my enjoyment.
(*2.5)
I don't know where to start with this. Did I enjoy this? Yes, but only a little. I found the main character annoying and found that the book was more pop culture references than the plot. I found myself getting confused about where the story was going. That being said some of the characters were bearable, I actually liked Karla. I found her character interesting, and wish this had her perspective too. I get that this is a coming-of-age book, but I think Cameron made some seriously questionable decisions. He basically strung along Karla and Makenzie, and I don't think they should have just forgiven him. Again some amazing side characters with D'Anthony and Jocelyn, like they were great friends putting up with Cameron. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this book, because I did enjoy it. But there were just some things I couldn't ignore, and I think not liking the main character is something that skewed my enjoyment.
(*2.5)
January 23, 2023
A sweet, fun and nerdy read with a classic coming-of-age romcom feel and great discussions surrounding sex and consent, friendships and masculinity.
February 17, 2023
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: toxic school environment & references to bullying
3.5
In theory, I liked this book- there aren’t many books being published recently with Black boy main characters, and even less of them are straight. So, I was happy (as someone with a library collection to think about) to meet Cameron. There’s also nice casual representation throughout, with identity and also with a multitude of different personalities. The characters aren’t one note, which made it a more enjoyable read.
This book has some nice allusions, which sometimes elevate the story and help you get more invested, and it also has two very different relationships to draw you into. The relationships are shown in different ways, but they have weight in a way that makes them feel more realistic.
But this book felt, for lack of a better word, sloppy. The constant explanations of anime were long winded and gave too much information for someone with an actual understanding of and experience with anime- the people who could relate to Cameron and his interests already- and were enough to confuse or push away the ones who don’t. The theme of “not judging others” fell flat a few feet from the finish line, never really committing, and everything felt too thinly fleshed out. I don’t know if it’s a need for more editing or a disconnect from myself as a reader, but I found it really hard to get into this book.
There are some things I really appreciate being in this book, and I know it’ll have readership, but it wasn’t the book for me.
TW: toxic school environment & references to bullying
3.5
In theory, I liked this book- there aren’t many books being published recently with Black boy main characters, and even less of them are straight. So, I was happy (as someone with a library collection to think about) to meet Cameron. There’s also nice casual representation throughout, with identity and also with a multitude of different personalities. The characters aren’t one note, which made it a more enjoyable read.
This book has some nice allusions, which sometimes elevate the story and help you get more invested, and it also has two very different relationships to draw you into. The relationships are shown in different ways, but they have weight in a way that makes them feel more realistic.
But this book felt, for lack of a better word, sloppy. The constant explanations of anime were long winded and gave too much information for someone with an actual understanding of and experience with anime- the people who could relate to Cameron and his interests already- and were enough to confuse or push away the ones who don’t. The theme of “not judging others” fell flat a few feet from the finish line, never really committing, and everything felt too thinly fleshed out. I don’t know if it’s a need for more editing or a disconnect from myself as a reader, but I found it really hard to get into this book.
There are some things I really appreciate being in this book, and I know it’ll have readership, but it wasn’t the book for me.
December 14, 2022
It has been a long time since high school, at least, for me. Reading, The Wrong Kind of Weird, by James Ramos, I was transported back, able to relive the emotions, milestones, everything that happened in those last year's before being forced to go out into the world, alone, as an adult. Those years of teenage angst and self searching, hopefully, by the end, learning about oneself. All the things I forgot about from so long ago, along with experiencing things through the eyes of a teenager today, how things are for them, now.
Though Nintendo has been replaced by the Nintendo Gamecube and the only sci-fi known to us was Star Wars and Star Trek (and, you were still considered a nerd for liking it) most of the high school experience remains as it was twenty years ago, for me. Readers don’t want to miss reliving the experience or, as a young adult, being able to learn about what another person’s experience is like, in this coming of age story about love, self, and the right kind of weirdness in both.
Things have been different for Cameron Carson in high school this year after his summer and the day Karla Ortega became his co-worker at the coffee shop he works at. First, they become friends and then, began "hooking-up" (which had not included sex, yet). While the relationship was never meant to last, when school begins, the pair find themselves continuing their affair and continuing to keep it a secret from everyone in their lives. Why? Because, anything the two have in common, far outweighs how much they don't.
Karla is the student council president, cheerleader, theater enthusiast, all around queen of the school. Most importantly, she is a member of the Caravan, a group made up of the upper echelon students, all the popular kids. But, as Cameron is able to watch her, within the group, he realizes things about the structure he has never noticed before which brings to mind many questions he had never thought to ponder. Cameron, on the other hand, is a member of a club known as GANU (Geeks & Nerds United). As their relationship evolves, Karla begins to push things further, Cameron taking a step back to assess the situation, isn’t sure what to do, to give her what she wants. After all, isn’t what Karla wants what he wants too?
Cameron is surprised when Karla's ex, Lucas, wants to be friends saying he wants to "turn over a new leaf." When Cameron goes to hang out with his "new friend" he begins to spend more time with Mackenzie, a girl he thought ever really liked him. However that just turns out to be the way Mackenzie is. A girl that says anything on her mind no matter what it is, doesn't seem to hide anything about herself and isn't embarrassed about it. Mackenzie is just Mackenzie. And Cameron likes that. Things aren’t helped by the fact that Mackenzie is Lucas’s sister. After all, Cameron is dating his ex, so if he falls for Mackenzie, he betrays Lucas twice over.
Regardless of what Cameron is beginning to feel about Mackenzie, his clandestine operation with Karla is still under way as they go back and forth contemplating taking a big step in their life together unlike anything they have done before. Cameron begins to believe if he can get to know some of the Caravan crowd they will like him. And, if this were to happen Karla and Cameron could tell the world they are a couple and then life wouldn’t feel wrong, as it does now. But, what is the real reason things feel so wrong for Karla and Cameron? Is it just because they are hiding their relationship from everyone? Or, could there be something more?
While Karla and Cameron are smart, that is really where their similarities end. Cameron likes his anime, manga and sci-fi. And, while Karla has collections of Star Trek that envy what Cameron has, she believes that people can like something without being obsessed with it, as to make it their entire world. On the other hand, Mackenzie and Cameron share almost all the same interests, would spend the entire day doing the same activities, even if that meant watching episodes of Dragon Ball Z (which they did on their first "hang out").
The title, The Wrong Kind of Weird, I think, hints to a lot of issues in the book. Cameron himself, I don't think, is the wrong kind of weird. Mackenzie, is not the wrong kind of weird either. And, Karla isn't weird herself. Cameron has always seen himself as weird, but the right kind of weird, and, I think, he sees himself that way because he thinks that the world sees him this way. But, he is okay with that kind of weirdness. The wrong kind of weird, I think, is where Cameron finds himself, the person he is becoming, when he is in a relationship with Karla. That is where things go wonky, and the wrong kind of weird.
James Ramos has written a book all types of readers of all ages won't want to miss. If you're not in high school right now, and you want to go back, want to see what things are like for children today (especially if you have kids or even if you're just curious) this is a great book to read, a page turner you won't put down until it's finished. Even if you read the book and then give it to your kids, it's insightful and gives you hope that kids are actually a little more grounded than you think. That, in the end of these situations, they can make the right decision, if they have the right knowledge and guidance. This book is one of those things that can help teenagers come to make the right decisions in life as Cameron did, for himself. To find out what they were, however, you must read the book!
**Also a great holiday gift for any teenager as these are feelings and issues they themself will deal with or may even be in the midst of!
Happy Reading!
Though Nintendo has been replaced by the Nintendo Gamecube and the only sci-fi known to us was Star Wars and Star Trek (and, you were still considered a nerd for liking it) most of the high school experience remains as it was twenty years ago, for me. Readers don’t want to miss reliving the experience or, as a young adult, being able to learn about what another person’s experience is like, in this coming of age story about love, self, and the right kind of weirdness in both.
Things have been different for Cameron Carson in high school this year after his summer and the day Karla Ortega became his co-worker at the coffee shop he works at. First, they become friends and then, began "hooking-up" (which had not included sex, yet). While the relationship was never meant to last, when school begins, the pair find themselves continuing their affair and continuing to keep it a secret from everyone in their lives. Why? Because, anything the two have in common, far outweighs how much they don't.
Karla is the student council president, cheerleader, theater enthusiast, all around queen of the school. Most importantly, she is a member of the Caravan, a group made up of the upper echelon students, all the popular kids. But, as Cameron is able to watch her, within the group, he realizes things about the structure he has never noticed before which brings to mind many questions he had never thought to ponder. Cameron, on the other hand, is a member of a club known as GANU (Geeks & Nerds United). As their relationship evolves, Karla begins to push things further, Cameron taking a step back to assess the situation, isn’t sure what to do, to give her what she wants. After all, isn’t what Karla wants what he wants too?
Cameron is surprised when Karla's ex, Lucas, wants to be friends saying he wants to "turn over a new leaf." When Cameron goes to hang out with his "new friend" he begins to spend more time with Mackenzie, a girl he thought ever really liked him. However that just turns out to be the way Mackenzie is. A girl that says anything on her mind no matter what it is, doesn't seem to hide anything about herself and isn't embarrassed about it. Mackenzie is just Mackenzie. And Cameron likes that. Things aren’t helped by the fact that Mackenzie is Lucas’s sister. After all, Cameron is dating his ex, so if he falls for Mackenzie, he betrays Lucas twice over.
Regardless of what Cameron is beginning to feel about Mackenzie, his clandestine operation with Karla is still under way as they go back and forth contemplating taking a big step in their life together unlike anything they have done before. Cameron begins to believe if he can get to know some of the Caravan crowd they will like him. And, if this were to happen Karla and Cameron could tell the world they are a couple and then life wouldn’t feel wrong, as it does now. But, what is the real reason things feel so wrong for Karla and Cameron? Is it just because they are hiding their relationship from everyone? Or, could there be something more?
While Karla and Cameron are smart, that is really where their similarities end. Cameron likes his anime, manga and sci-fi. And, while Karla has collections of Star Trek that envy what Cameron has, she believes that people can like something without being obsessed with it, as to make it their entire world. On the other hand, Mackenzie and Cameron share almost all the same interests, would spend the entire day doing the same activities, even if that meant watching episodes of Dragon Ball Z (which they did on their first "hang out").
The title, The Wrong Kind of Weird, I think, hints to a lot of issues in the book. Cameron himself, I don't think, is the wrong kind of weird. Mackenzie, is not the wrong kind of weird either. And, Karla isn't weird herself. Cameron has always seen himself as weird, but the right kind of weird, and, I think, he sees himself that way because he thinks that the world sees him this way. But, he is okay with that kind of weirdness. The wrong kind of weird, I think, is where Cameron finds himself, the person he is becoming, when he is in a relationship with Karla. That is where things go wonky, and the wrong kind of weird.
James Ramos has written a book all types of readers of all ages won't want to miss. If you're not in high school right now, and you want to go back, want to see what things are like for children today (especially if you have kids or even if you're just curious) this is a great book to read, a page turner you won't put down until it's finished. Even if you read the book and then give it to your kids, it's insightful and gives you hope that kids are actually a little more grounded than you think. That, in the end of these situations, they can make the right decision, if they have the right knowledge and guidance. This book is one of those things that can help teenagers come to make the right decisions in life as Cameron did, for himself. To find out what they were, however, you must read the book!
**Also a great holiday gift for any teenager as these are feelings and issues they themself will deal with or may even be in the midst of!
Happy Reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
A cute coming of age, teenage romance. I loved the diversity of the characters and the message is great. This is a great read for teens and young adults!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 15, 2023
2.45 ⭐
This has a love triangle in the book, and I was enjoying the romance for the first 1/2. By the end it died out. What the heck?
This has a love triangle in the book, and I was enjoying the romance for the first 1/2. By the end it died out. What the heck?
May 18, 2025
I learned too many things about Dragon Ball against my will
January 4, 2023
Cameron is a geek. Even though he knows he's gone up a few steps on the list of boys in his school, he loves his anime, and manga, and friends from his geek club. But he has a secret, he's been hooking up with Karla, one of the It girls, part of the gang who his club consider their rivals. And if that's not weird enough, another member of that group, the jocker who's always bullied, wants to make up for all he's done. As a bonus, Cameron sees his former bully's sister Mackenzie join his club. Even though she seems to hate him, they find more and more in common.
3.5 rounded up to 4.
The title does its job of making you want to read the book but I don't think it describes it well. I like how Cameron's journey is to fit in his own weirdness, if I were to use the title. Although his weird situation (sorry for the repetition of the word) does bring him a lot of trouble, I can't call it wrong either.
I did take a little long to sympathize with him, though. I was that very kind of teenager, who loved Japanese media, etc, not that I was part of a club, my friends weren't in the popular crowd like Karla's, but I'd say our relationship was more like that, each liking their own thing. So maybe I envied how he'd found his place and yet wasn't satisfied? Also, I never bought his relationship or even his feelings for Karla, so the love triangle failed for me. Last, I didn't understand his problem with Mackenzie, which made it even harder to believe he couldn't see how much happier they were together from the start. As the story goes, however, things fit better. He doesn't argue as much with Mackenzie, so I don't frown seeing through the author's efforts to make me buy that they're enemies, and we start understanding Karla better, and despite still not buying his feelings for her, I did like her, it's a great character. Both girls are. And I grew fond of Cameron, too.
This story is not strong in the love triangle trope or the enemies to lovers one, but it's still a good YA, from the pov of a boy, and not written by a cis woman, but by a nonbinary author. I love women writing, most of what I read are by them, and I think it's great to get another voice.
Regardless of genre, it's got solid writing and good development and conclusion, so I recommend it to any lover of YA romances, especially if you're a fan of anime/manga.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
3.5 rounded up to 4.
The title does its job of making you want to read the book but I don't think it describes it well. I like how Cameron's journey is to fit in his own weirdness, if I were to use the title. Although his weird situation (sorry for the repetition of the word) does bring him a lot of trouble, I can't call it wrong either.
I did take a little long to sympathize with him, though. I was that very kind of teenager, who loved Japanese media, etc, not that I was part of a club, my friends weren't in the popular crowd like Karla's, but I'd say our relationship was more like that, each liking their own thing. So maybe I envied how he'd found his place and yet wasn't satisfied? Also, I never bought his relationship or even his feelings for Karla, so the love triangle failed for me. Last, I didn't understand his problem with Mackenzie, which made it even harder to believe he couldn't see how much happier they were together from the start. As the story goes, however, things fit better. He doesn't argue as much with Mackenzie, so I don't frown seeing through the author's efforts to make me buy that they're enemies, and we start understanding Karla better, and despite still not buying his feelings for her, I did like her, it's a great character. Both girls are. And I grew fond of Cameron, too.
This story is not strong in the love triangle trope or the enemies to lovers one, but it's still a good YA, from the pov of a boy, and not written by a cis woman, but by a nonbinary author. I love women writing, most of what I read are by them, and I think it's great to get another voice.
Regardless of genre, it's got solid writing and good development and conclusion, so I recommend it to any lover of YA romances, especially if you're a fan of anime/manga.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
January 3, 2023
3.5 stars
After the more serious books I've been reading lately, this was a nice change of pace, although I think I would have appreciated it even more if I had been more of an anime/manga geek. I understood maybe half of what Cameron and his friends talked about, and while I'm definitely a fan of Studio Ghibli, I don't read much Manga and I'm by no means an expert on anime. Still, I loved Cameron's enthusiasm for the craft, and I laughed at some of the arguments his friends had over which was better. But what I loved was his realization that each of the cliques was obsessed with something or another, whether it was anime or theater or even sports, and that one didn't have to belong to one group or another. Rather, people could connect with others via some sort of common ground, not just one's obsession.
This was entertaining and lighthearted, and I liked the author's casual queer and person-of-color representation without making it the point of the story. The author's own apparent passion for anime really came out, which I enjoyed even if I didn't completely get it. I also loved how Cameron learns the wonders and value of something like Pride and Prejudice even if it turns out to be not quite his cup of tea. It was cool how he made connections between what he was experiencing and the play/book.
I'd be open to reading more by this author and hope that they continue writing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After the more serious books I've been reading lately, this was a nice change of pace, although I think I would have appreciated it even more if I had been more of an anime/manga geek. I understood maybe half of what Cameron and his friends talked about, and while I'm definitely a fan of Studio Ghibli, I don't read much Manga and I'm by no means an expert on anime. Still, I loved Cameron's enthusiasm for the craft, and I laughed at some of the arguments his friends had over which was better. But what I loved was his realization that each of the cliques was obsessed with something or another, whether it was anime or theater or even sports, and that one didn't have to belong to one group or another. Rather, people could connect with others via some sort of common ground, not just one's obsession.
This was entertaining and lighthearted, and I liked the author's casual queer and person-of-color representation without making it the point of the story. The author's own apparent passion for anime really came out, which I enjoyed even if I didn't completely get it. I also loved how Cameron learns the wonders and value of something like Pride and Prejudice even if it turns out to be not quite his cup of tea. It was cool how he made connections between what he was experiencing and the play/book.
I'd be open to reading more by this author and hope that they continue writing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 3, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars
This was a cute YA Romance!
The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Cameron Carson. He finds himself in the middle of two girls that are very different from one another. I wouldn’t say that it is your typical love triangle, but it does cause a lot of problems for Cameron.
Through the hookup with Karla and getting to know Mackenzie better, he learns what he wants from a relationship and also how to be himself. Karla comes from a different group of friends and Cameron hasn’t always got along with them because they seem him as that weird, nerdy kid. I could definitely relate to him on that front because I was that kid in high school. Mackenzie brings out the best in him and he can be more of himself. He doesn’t have to change who he is and that is the kind of message I enjoy reading about!
There were only a couple things I wasn’t a fan of, but this is just personal taste. There was more sex talk than I like in YA as well as jokes that just don’t fit my humor. These two details won’t be an issue for others so definitely take it with a grain of salt!
Overall, this was a nice YA romance. Cameron learns a lot about himself and I think many teens will be able to relate to him. It’s also a very quick read too!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a complimentary earc to review! All opinions are my own.
This was a cute YA Romance!
The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Cameron Carson. He finds himself in the middle of two girls that are very different from one another. I wouldn’t say that it is your typical love triangle, but it does cause a lot of problems for Cameron.
Through the hookup with Karla and getting to know Mackenzie better, he learns what he wants from a relationship and also how to be himself. Karla comes from a different group of friends and Cameron hasn’t always got along with them because they seem him as that weird, nerdy kid. I could definitely relate to him on that front because I was that kid in high school. Mackenzie brings out the best in him and he can be more of himself. He doesn’t have to change who he is and that is the kind of message I enjoy reading about!
There were only a couple things I wasn’t a fan of, but this is just personal taste. There was more sex talk than I like in YA as well as jokes that just don’t fit my humor. These two details won’t be an issue for others so definitely take it with a grain of salt!
Overall, this was a nice YA romance. Cameron learns a lot about himself and I think many teens will be able to relate to him. It’s also a very quick read too!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a complimentary earc to review! All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2022
HIGH SCHOOL REALLY ISN'T THAT DEEP!!!
...is what i wanted to scream to cameron and his friends the whole time i was reading this novel! i look back to my days in high school and i realize how, when you're a teen, it's like everything matters so damn much. like who's popular and who can talk to who and who's cool and who's a loser. and i remember caring about that stuff myself and now im just like omg. it really wasn't that deep. you CAN talk to a cheerleader even if ur a weeb who likes anime holy shit.
this story was so entertaining. it represented the high school experience of your typical nerdy black boy pretty well imo? i loved every character -even the dumb jock.
absolutely recommend it! thank you for the advanced reading copy!
...is what i wanted to scream to cameron and his friends the whole time i was reading this novel! i look back to my days in high school and i realize how, when you're a teen, it's like everything matters so damn much. like who's popular and who can talk to who and who's cool and who's a loser. and i remember caring about that stuff myself and now im just like omg. it really wasn't that deep. you CAN talk to a cheerleader even if ur a weeb who likes anime holy shit.
this story was so entertaining. it represented the high school experience of your typical nerdy black boy pretty well imo? i loved every character -even the dumb jock.
absolutely recommend it! thank you for the advanced reading copy!
February 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Reading this book literally made me feel like I was inside the mind of a teenage boy, and I didn't hate it 💁🏼♀️
This book was sarcastic and humorous whilst also being a cute love triangleish love story. I definitely could see this being made into a teen romcom film or a mini series because it was so much fun and warmed my heart.
I was expecting more LGBTQIA+ content but I think that's just because it was a tour with Pride. There were some references throughout but I wish we'd read more about certain characters. And as much as I'm a nerd, there might have been a bit too much anime talk in the book for me 😂
I did adore this though and I really love the cover. Really easy to read and a beautiful YA book.
Reading this book literally made me feel like I was inside the mind of a teenage boy, and I didn't hate it 💁🏼♀️
This book was sarcastic and humorous whilst also being a cute love triangleish love story. I definitely could see this being made into a teen romcom film or a mini series because it was so much fun and warmed my heart.
I was expecting more LGBTQIA+ content but I think that's just because it was a tour with Pride. There were some references throughout but I wish we'd read more about certain characters. And as much as I'm a nerd, there might have been a bit too much anime talk in the book for me 😂
I did adore this though and I really love the cover. Really easy to read and a beautiful YA book.
December 18, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and James Ramos for the opportunity to read the eARC of The Wrong Kind of Weird!
This book was a pretty quick read for me. It was fun and witty and something both teenage boys and girls would enjoy in equal measure. The story was hurt a bit by putting too many nerdy references in it, if you don't have general interests in say dragon ball Z for example, you can get bored reading about something you don't personally follow.
I will post my review on Netgalley, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads and Google play and Amazon
This book was a pretty quick read for me. It was fun and witty and something both teenage boys and girls would enjoy in equal measure. The story was hurt a bit by putting too many nerdy references in it, if you don't have general interests in say dragon ball Z for example, you can get bored reading about something you don't personally follow.
I will post my review on Netgalley, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads and Google play and Amazon
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